Author Interview with R.L Andrew

When did you first decide you wanted to be a writer? When I was a child.

How long have you been writing? I’ve written short stories and poems since I was a kid but as only taken writing seriously for the last five years or so.

What genre do you write? Science Fiction and horror. Occasionally others.

What are you working on now? Editing the sequel to my first book ‘A Lunatic’s Guide to Interplanetary Relationships (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074YCZDK5) – ‘A Demigoddess’s Guide to Interplanetary Parenting’ before it goes to my Editor then Publisher in hopefully a couple of months and plotting/planning the third – ‘A Demigoddesses Guide to Inter dimensional InLaws’.

What inspires you to write? Myself. I believe inspiration for me comes from planning, thinking, creating and hard work. I sit down everyday and write, always working towards a goal. I have to make sure I have what I’m going to write clear in my head before I do sit down. Then I put myself in the background of the scene and let it play out.

Who is your biggest influence as a writer? It’s definitely been my Mentor/Editor and now Publisher Randall Andrews. He’s taught, encouraged, supported me and truly made the biggest difference to my writing life. He continues to do so.

Do you have anything published? If so can you tell us a little about your latest publication? Aside from a number of short stories published in Anthologies internationally my first book ‘A Lunatic’s Guide to Interplanetary Relationships (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074YCZDK5) has been published by Ja-Col Publishing Inc.

Where is your ideal writing spot? On my couch with a settee, my legs up and my macbook on my lap.

Is there a routine you have to go through to get in the writing mood? I sit down, put myself in the scene and write. A lot of mental battle goes into that as I’m chronically ill. Everyday I wake up I do not want to get out of bed and have ever reason to feel that way. But I get nothing achieved with that state of mind. It doesn’t change my pain levels but it does change my mental health for the better – positively. Instead of wallowing while in pain, I’ve created – written books while in pain, something has come from it.

As a writer, what is the biggest area you’ve struggled in? Commas. I totally suck at them, my editor will verify this lol. I work hard at figuring those out but I still seem to screw it up. I’ll get there eventually.

Any advice for upcoming young writers? Be open to challenges, learning about the craft, and giving up any preconceived ideas you have about being a great writer right off the batt. Like most things it takes work, effort and learning. Don’t talk about doing it, don’t think about doing it, just do it.

What has worked for you? Setting realistic goals for myself and working towards them. There’s always a million excuses for not finding time to write each day but you only need one reason to do it and you’ll achieve great things over time.

Other than writing, what do you do? I love horror movies, gardening and cooking when I”m able to. Funnily enough I’ve created some of my most delicious meals while hunched over and shallow breathing. It’s amazing what you can do if you push yourself. Though i realise you probably shouldn’t always do that!

Have you written anyone you know into your novels? If so, why were they important to that particular story? Oh heck yes. They might not be directly named but everyone I’ve ever known, met or encountered shows up somewhere in my books. Depending on what type of people they are is what type of characters they end up as.

Do you have any upcoming events (release parties, giveaways, etc.) or book releases coming up? If so feel free to provide the links. My first book has been released as an ebook and should be released in paper back within the next couple of weeks. I am doing a few in person book launches where I live but it’s too far for you guys to come.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us? The only person that stops you from doing something is you. And if you are dead set on achieving something nothing will stop you.

Some Fun Questions:

What’s your favorite line from any movie? They’re here.

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction? A disaster movie with plenty of action and dark comedy.

Who would you want to play you? Claudia Karvan – she’s an Australian Actress I’d also love to play my main character in a show or movie.

What is your favorite quote? This too shall pass – because it does. It’s inevitable.

Why? There are too many reasons but I can watch them over and over and not get sick of them.

Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.Spring and early summer. I hate the cold. Mostly because I have a small build and it’s impossible to get warm enough. And you can’t spend much time outdoors when it’s cold and wet.